Conrad Borg Manché: Labour’s Workers’ Woes

In the heart of Malta’s political scene, at the PN headquarters in Pietà, a familiar face took centre stage last night. Conrad Borg Manché, the Nationalist Party’s (PN) newly appointed spokesperson on employment and industrial relations, wasted no time in delivering a scathing critique of the Labour government’s handling of workers’ rights.

From Shop Floor to Parliament

Borg Manché, a former trade unionist and shop steward, brought a wealth of experience from the shop floor to his parliamentary role. His credentials, he believes, give him the credibility to challenge the Labour Party’s (PL) record on workers’ rights. “I’ve been where they are,” he told the packed room, “I know the struggles, the long hours, the low pay.”

Born and bred in Ħamrun, Borg Manché is no stranger to Malta’s working-class communities. His family history is etched into the very streets of this bustling town, where he still lives today. It’s this personal connection that fuels his passion for workers’ rights, a passion that was evident throughout his speech.

Labour’s Broken Promises

Borg Manché didn’t mince his words as he accused the Labour government of breaking promise after promise to Malta’s workers. He pointed to the government’s failure to increase the minimum wage, despite pre-election pledges. “They said they’d increase it to €9.50,” he reminded the audience, “But here we are, five years later, and it’s still €8.48.”

The PN spokesperson also slammed the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing that workers were left vulnerable due to inadequate support measures. He highlighted the case of a Birkirkara-based catering company that laid off its workers during the pandemic, only to rehire them as self-employed individuals, denying them crucial employment rights.

A New Dawn for Workers?

Borg Manché’s appointment signals a renewed focus by the PN on workers’ rights. He promised that if elected, the party would prioritise workers’ interests, starting with a significant increase in the minimum wage. “We’ll make sure that no one in Malta lives in poverty while working full-time,” he declared to applause.

But it wasn’t all criticism. Borg Manché also praised the government’s recent initiatives to promote lifelong learning and apprenticeships. “These are steps in the right direction,” he acknowledged, “But they’re not enough. We need a comprehensive strategy that puts workers at the heart of our economy.”

As the event drew to a close, Borg Manché left the audience with a rallying cry: “We need to stand up for our workers. We need to fight for their rights. Because when workers win, Malta wins.”